Schefter: It has been 25 years since a quarterback the Chiefs drafted led Kansas City

Which is this: Kansas City is now commemorating an unhappy 25th anniversary with an accomplishment franchises can't try to make happen.

It has been 25 years since a quarterback the Chiefs drafted led Kansas City to a win. A quarter-century!

Todd Blackledge was the last Chiefs quarterback to do it, back in 1987. Since then, a parade of no-name and underperforming quarterbacks has arrived in Kansas City: Doug Hudson in the seventh round in 1987; Danny McManus in the 11th round in 1988; Mike Elkins in the second round in 1989; Matt Blundin in the second round in 1992; Steve Matthews in the seventh round in 1994; Steve Stenstrom in the fourth round in 1995; Pat Barnes in the fourth round in 1997; James Kilian in the seventh round in 2005; Brodie Croyle in the third round in 2006; and Stanzi in the fifth round in 2011.

Not one of them won a game for the Chiefs, including Croyle, who went a difficult-to-do 0-10. Many have started; none has succeeded. Until this franchise figures it out and tracks down a starting signal-caller, Kansas City will continue to experience the type of frustrating losses it had at Tampa Bay before its bye this past week.

It would be one thing to find a quarterback; it would be another to actually lead during a game. The Chiefs have yet to do that this season, the longest any team since 1983 has gone without having a lead during a game. In all but one of their games, even the one in which they rallied to beat the Saints in OT, the Chiefs have been behind by at least 18 points. They are the only team this season that has yet to produce a passing play of more than 40 yards. Having a quarterback might not be everything, but it would be a huge help.

Look at how rookie quarterbacks have helped Indianapolis, Washington, Miami, Cleveland and Seattle. There never has been a time in which evaluators have a stronger belief that rookie quarterbacks are ready. The top-rated quarterbacks for the 2013 NFL draft in April -- Matt Barkley, Geno Smith, Landry Jones and Tyler Wilson -- have start-early potential. There can't be any more excuses.

After seeing Cassel and Quinn, Kansas City can agree the time has come to draft a capable quarterback. Like winning the Super Bowl, it is something the Chiefs rarely have done.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/page/10spot-12week8/kansas-city-chiefs-need-draft-franchise-qb-adam-schefter-10-spot